Balikbayan Box Mailed From U.S.

[Bugs 455]

What is the best carrier for this, yet don't charge through the roof? We have LBC here in San Diego - they charge $60 to deliver a medium sized box, $85 for a large sized box. Are they reliable?

Also what kind of items in the box are not allowed through customs? Are these boxes opened for inspection?

Edited November 16, 2014 by Leon & Mylen

[Hank_ 9,174]

we weren't looking for cheap, more so looking for reliable and quality service, so we use UMAC

http://www.umaccargo.net/

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

What is the best carrier for this, yet don't charge through the roof? We have LBC here in San Diego - they charge $60 to deliver a medium sized box, $85 for a large sized box. Are they reliable?

Also what kind of items in the box are not allowed through customs? Are these boxes opened for inspection?

I have used LBC many time, never an issue. As Hank said UMAC also has a good reputation.

As for what you can put in it.

It's much like the helmet law in Cebu. There is one, it's just nobody is sure what it is or pays attention.

I have shipped anything and everything, including prescription drugs, Ipdads and 200lbs of chocolate Just use common sense. No Hazmats. No fragile items, no perishables Write on the slip. clothes, toys, chocolates etc.

There is an official list, but nobody I know strictly follows it.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I have used LBC many time, never an issue. As Hank said UMAC also has a good reputation.

As for what you can put in it.

It's much like the helmet law in Cebu. There is one, it's just nobody is sure what it is or pays attention.

I have shipped anything and everything, including prescription drugs, Ipdads and 200lbs of chocolate Just use common sense. No Hazmats. No fragile items, no perishables Write on the slip. clothes, toys, chocolates etc.

There is an official list, but nobody I know strictly follows it.

As they say - whatever will fit without bulging the sides of the box.

I am going to take a run at shipping a 42" plasma, I talked to the guys at UMAC, they said to get a shipping box from UHAUL and then tape it up good, many have had good results with this.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Hank_, on 16 Nov 2014 - 4:37 PM, said:

As they say - whatever will fit without bulging the sides of the box.

I am going to take a run at shipping a 42" plasma, I talked to the guys at UMAC, they said to get a shipping box from UHAUL and then tape it up good, many have had good results with this.

You may want to think about visiting your local Lowes Hardware and purchase a sheet of thin plywood or pressure treated plywood to slip in the box in front of the screen for added protection. Should cost you about 12.00. You could find something as thin as 1/4 inch or thinner.

[Hank_ 9,174]

You may want to think about visiting your local Lowes Hardware and purchase a sheet of thin plywood or pressure treated plywood to slip in the box in front of the screen for added protection. Should cost you about 12.00. You could find something as thin as 1/4 inch or thinner.

Ya I had the same thoughts when the idea popped into my head to try this. I figure some 1/4" Luan plywood will get it done.

I know a guy that just shipped his flat screen over, waiting to hear from him how it when. Figure another month before he will have it.

[chillin4me 15]

Used Forex Cargo, no problem at all..

https://www.forexworld.us/Home/

mostly the problems of items being stolen from the box is in their partners in the Philippines. They do take advantage sometimes. But I have been sending through forex and i haven't encounter any problems at all.

[mrszorak44 7]

As long as items fit in the box is ok? What about the weight, is there a weight limit for a balikbayan box?

[manilaraf 28]

From my family's experience sending Balikbayan Boxes, you can send basically unlimited amounts of stuff as long as it fits in the box if it's being shipped by boat. Trade off is shipping times take a lot longer. Air freight/air cargo definitely has a weight limit and costs significantly more.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

As long as items fit in the box is ok? What about the weight, is there a weight limit for a balikbayan box?

I have loaded some that took two of us to get n the Van. I think if the cardboard will hold it , it will ship

[Hank_ 9,174]

As long as items fit in the box is ok? What about the weight, is there a weight limit for a balikbayan box?

No actual weight limit. I use 3M Scotch Bi-Directional Filament Tape and tape the box up, nothing stronger for packing and shipping.

[mrszorak44 7]

Thanks guys. I'm new to this balikbayan box sending thing, so I appreciate all the response.

[Caryh 5,206]

Used Forex Cargo, no problem at all..

https://www.forexworld.us/Home/

mostly the problems of items being stolen from the box is in their partners in the Philippines. They do take advantage sometimes. But I have been sending through forex and i haven't encounter any problems at all.

Couple years ago Forex lost their certification due to theft of items and complaints. We were one of those burned by them. They regained their certification, but they still make me nervous. They're also the predominant balikbayan box company in our state.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Search for UMAC

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I had a bunch of Pinoy Dentist staying in my home in mid-October. They bought half of Sams and Costco. could not get enough of them. Went to Sams 3 times.

Anyway they sent back 4 boxes. When my LBC guy came, he said we could use Atlas and save some money. They tried them. I will let you know the results .